Get Involved

For Youth

Summer Work and Learn is a summer job-training program for young adults ages 16-21. Crew Workers grow food crops on our 1-acre farm, mentor younger children in cooking and gardening activities, sell crops at the farmers' market, donate to local food shelves, and visit nearby farms. The Youth Agriculture Project uses organic farming as a vehicle to help youth develop life and job skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.

Summer Work and Learn job description

Summer Work and Learn application

Summer Work and Learn brochure.

For Educators

• Academic Year: During the spring and fall seasons, we work with local schools to provide agriculture-based programming connected to state curriculum requirements. In 2009, we partnered with two classes from the Oak Grove Elementary School as well as BEAMS, the Brattleboro Area Middle School after-school program.
  • We are happy to work with educators to plan classes together or invite you to the farm for our pre-planned classes.
  • Here's an example schedule from our classes with one school:
    • 1:30-1:40 Opening Circle - Plan for the day and veggie name game
    • 1:40-2:00 Plant Garlic - Garlic is a bulb; it can grow a whole head from one clove! Pull aside hay and dig a hole for each clove at the markers.
    • 2:00-2:25 Herb Tour - Use senses to explore each herb clipping. Can we find the plant it belongs to? Tour the garden to find the right plants!
    • 2:25-3:00 Closing Circle - Review what we learned about garlic and herbs before saying goodbye until next week.
  • Please keep in mind that we prefer to work with the same group for a minimum of 6 hours total to ensure a productive learning experience.
• Mentoring: During the summer, we collaborate with local youth agencies to provide gardening skills and nutrition programming for youth ages 7 - 12. Participants in the Summer Work and Learn program serve as mentors for these children, teaching gardening skills while learning to prepare and enjoy healthy meals from fresh produce.

Employment

The Youth Agriculture Project is offering several internship opportunities for Spring and Summer 2012. Please feel free to contact us at youthagproject@uvm.edu or by phone at (802) 257-7967 if you would like more information on these positions.

Please review the following postions:

• AmeriCorps VISTA Program Development Specialist
• Crew Worker

Then, to apply for any of these postions, email or send us a cover letter describing your qualifications and interest, a resume, and contact information for (2) references to:

Youth Agriculture Project
UVM Extension 4-H
11 University Way, Suite 4
Brattleboro VT 05302
youthagproject@uvm.edu
Fax: (802) 257-0112

AmeriCorps VISTA - Program Development Specialist

The UVM Extension 4-H Youth Agriculture Project in Brattleboro is seeking a multi-talented and motivated Program Development Specialist to fill our year-long AmeriCorps*VISTA position starting in August 2012. This is a great opportunity to work in a non-profit education organization, develop skills in agriculture-based youth development programming, and connect with local and statewide organizations committed to building healthy and sustainable communities.

Responsibilities:
• Enhance and disseminate program curricula and other documentation
• Manage volunteers at our 1-acre vegetable farm in Brattleboro
• Streamline informational and financial management systems
• Research and write grants
• Plan and deliver workshops for youth and professional audiences
• Develop new educational resources, such as lesson plans, fact sheets, and evaluation tool

Qualifications: Preferred experience in agriculture, teaching or facilitating, curriculum development, community development, grant writing, local food systems, and/or working with youth from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Must be self-motivated, responsible, adaptable, and able to organize time; work well as part of a team; and communicate well both verbally and in writing.

To apply, email or send us a cover letter describing your qualifications and interest, a resume, and contact information for two (2) references. Position open until filled.

Accepting applications now.Feel free to contact us with questions, comment or requests. Submit applications by mail, email, fax, or in person to:

UVM Extension 4-H Youth Agriculture Project

11 University Way, Suite 4

Brattleboro, VT 05301

Email:youthagproject@uvm.edu

Fax:(802) 257-0112

Crew Worker

Summer Work and Learn is a summer job-training program for young adults ages 16-21. Crew Workers grow food crops on our 1-acre farm, mentor younger children in cooking and gardening activities, sell crops at the farmers' market, donate to local food shelves, and visit nearby farms. The Youth Agriculture Project uses organic farming as a vehicle to help youth develop life and job skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.

Responsibilities:
• Complete work projects at Youth Ag's 1-acre farm and visit other local farms
• Sell the vegetables you grow at Youth Ag's farmers market stand
• Participate in workshops on leadership, social justice, food systems, and agriculture
• Lead children in cooking and gardening activities
• Participate in community service projects like gleaning and tending school gardens

Expectations:
• Show up to all 8 weeks of work, and be on time
• Be respectful to fellow workers, staff and community members
• Follow the safety rules and guidelines
• Participate fully in workshops and activities geared toward building life and job skills

Schedule and Pay The position is scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 3rd, and end Thursday, August 23rd. Crew Workers work 3 days a week, for a total of 20 hours per week. Compensation is $8.46/hr.

Contact information To apply to be a Summer Work and Learn Crew Member:

• Ask your guidance counselor or case manager for an application
• or call Laura at (802) 257-7967 ext. 309
• or email us at youthagproject@uvm.edu
• or stop by in person at our office at 11 University Way (at VABEC – Vermont Agricultural Business Education Center in Brattleboro)

Accepting applications now.Feel free to contact us with questions, comment or requests. Submit applications by mail, email, fax, or in person to:

UVM Extension 4-H Youth Agriculture Project

11 University Way, Suite 4

Brattleboro, VT 05301

Email:youthagproject@uvm.edu

Fax:(802) 257-0112

Volunteer

Youth Ag's 1-acre farm at the Brattleboro office of UVM Extension needs hands on the land! Come in any Thursday from 8-10am or 3-5pm and work with us in the greenhouse and the field to get the farm ready for the Summer Work and Learn program! RSVP helpful but not required.

Examples of jobs include: Planting seeds, setting up irrigation lines, repairing boxes and benches, transplanting, harvesting, watering, weeding, etc!

Share your expertise and elbow grease, learn some new skills, meet new people, and rack up community service hours or Master Gardener internship hours!

For information or to volunteer, contact the Youth Agriculture Project at youthagproject@uvm.edu. Thanks!